The Supreme Court stated that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) data is solely for elections and cannot be used for other purposes, especially not to determine citizenship or deny welfare benefits. This came after a Congress leader's petition alleged that the West Bengal government was using SIR data to remove names from schemes like food security, women's welfare, and Backward Caste certifications. The court issued notice to the Election Commission and the West Bengal government, highlighting that deletion from electoral rolls has severe civil consequences beyond voting rights. The slow pace of appeal hearings for excluded individuals was also a key concern.
The Supreme Court clarified that SIR data is exclusively for election-related tasks and not for determining citizenship or denying welfare benefits.
A petition alleged that the West Bengal government used SIR data to remove names from various welfare schemes.
Deletion from electoral rolls can lead to serious civil consequences for individuals.
Exam Points
Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi made observations regarding SIR data use.
The petition was filed by Congress leader Prasenjit Bose.
The Union Education Ministry has agreed to several changes in the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025, following Andhra Pradesh's concerns about centralisation of powers. The proposed Regulatory Council will now require State government clearance for key decisions concerning colleges affiliated with State universities. The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Bill also recommended a comprehensive review of Clause 47, which grants the Centre superseding powers. Andhra Pradesh had termed Clause 11(4) a "single most significant structural change" as it allowed the Regulatory Council to bypass State universities in degree-awarding decisions.
The Union Education Ministry agreed to modify the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025.
The Regulatory Council will now need State government clearance for decisions affecting affiliated colleges.
Andhra Pradesh raised concerns about the centralisation of powers and the bypassing of State universities.
Exam Points
Bill name: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025.
Clause 11(4) and Clause 47 were contentious provisions.
Meghalaya government also suggested amendments to Clause 12.
The U.S. expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran, hitting bridges, energy sites, and a tower at Chabahar port. This escalation follows U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to strike infrastructure to pressure Tehran regarding its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated with missile attacks against U.S.-allied nations in West Asia, including Qatar and Kuwait, where a desalination plant was damaged. The interim ceasefire agreed last month has collapsed, leading to days of back-and-forth attacks as both sides battle for control of the strait.
The U.S. expanded its airstrike campaign in Iran, targeting critical infrastructure like bridges and energy sites.
The attacks aim to pressure Iran regarding its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded with missile attacks on U.S.-allied nations, including Qatar and Kuwait.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and States on a petition advocating for the recognition of intersex persons as a distinct and identifiable class. The petition, filed by advocate Shamshravish Rein, seeks a directive for the Union government to establish separate statutory guidelines within six months. These guidelines would provide distinct recognition, protection, and affirmative support for individuals born with congenital variations in sex characteristics (DSD). The plea highlights the traumatic challenges faced by intersex children, including forced medical interventions, social abandonment, and exclusion from various societal structures due to a strictly binary understanding of sex.
The Supreme Court is considering a petition for distinct recognition of intersex persons.
The petition seeks statutory guidelines for protection and affirmative support for individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
Intersex individuals face unique challenges, including forced medical interventions and social exclusion.
Exam Points
Petition filed by advocate Shamshravish Rein.
Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Manasbal Lake, Kashmir's deepest freshwater lake, is undergoing ecological recovery, evidenced by the return of migratory birds. Locals are optimistic about the increase in bird sightings between December 2025 and January 2026, prompting the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) to organize a bird watching festival. Efforts to revive the lake, including removing accumulated weeds and dredging, have improved water circulation and biodiversity. The WMDA is also implementing water budgeting to manage the lake's carrying capacity and water volume scientifically, alongside a three-pronged approach to improve water quality, including a sewerage treatment plant and solid waste management plant.
Manasbal Lake, the deepest freshwater lake in central Kashmir, is showing signs of ecological recovery.
The return of migratory birds indicates improved environmental conditions in the lake.
Weeding and dredging operations have significantly contributed to the lake's rejuvenation and biodiversity.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that his government would move a resolution in the 60-member Assembly to block uranium mining in the State. This decision comes amidst mounting pressure from local groups, including the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), which launched an anti-uranium mining movement after a Union Minister's comments suggested the Centre was examining the status of uranium mining. The CM clarified that the Centre had made "no decision" on mining and assured that his NPP-led government would not compromise the State's land, water, and future due to radioactive threats.
Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma committed to moving an Assembly resolution against uranium mining.
Local groups, led by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), initiated an anti-uranium mining movement.
The movement was triggered by comments from a Union Minister about examining uranium mining status in Meghalaya.
Exam Points
Meghalaya Chief Minister: Conrad K. Sangma.
Assembly strength: 60 members.
Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy: Jitendra Singh.
India's Semiconductor Mission has entered its second phase with a substantial outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore, aiming to establish India as a strategic destination for the electronics manufacturing ecosystem. This phase will provide capital subsidies and manufacturing-linked incentives, with a focus on leveraging domestic capabilities and components. The government views this as a decades-long project crucial for geopolitical stability and economic growth. While the returns from the first phase are yet to be seen, the initiative aims to build indigenous capabilities in advanced technologies and human capital, addressing global talent shortages and supply chain vulnerabilities.
India's Semiconductor Mission has launched its second phase with a significant financial outlay.
The mission aims to make India a strategic hub for the electronics manufacturing value chain.
It includes capital subsidies and manufacturing-linked incentives, prioritizing domestic capabilities.
Exam Points
Second phase outlay: ₹1.27 lakh crore.
Dutch extreme ultraviolet lithography machines are mentioned as advanced technology.
The mission aims to address global talent shortages.
Kerala is facing a severe challenge with rising narcotic drug abuse, particularly synthetic drugs, and sophisticated cartel networks using digital technologies. Following a surge in NDPS cases to 36,314 in 2025, the UDF government launched "Operation Toofan" in June. This initiative aims for integrated enforcement, public engagement, victim rehabilitation, and effective prosecution. It involves collaboration between State police, southern States' police forces, central agencies, and State departments like education, health, and excise. The campaign also focuses on strengthening national intelligence-sharing under the NCORD framework and upskilling anti-narcotics personnel to counter innovative cartel methods.
Kerala is experiencing a significant increase in narcotic drug abuse, especially synthetic drugs.
"Operation Toofan" has been launched to combat drug cartels and streamline enforcement.
The initiative involves multi-agency collaboration, public engagement, and victim rehabilitation.
Exam Points
NDPS cases in Kerala: 5,695 in 2021, 26,619 in 2022, 36,314 in 2025.
The article argues against Parliament proceeding with the inquiry committee report on Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation, likening it to the historical "Cadaver Synod." It emphasizes that a tribunal cannot justly judge someone no longer holding office. Justice Varma resigned with immediate effect on April 9, severing his constitutional link as a judge. Precedents from Justice P.D. Dinakaran and Justice Soumitra Sen's resignations show that impeachment proceedings end when a judge leaves office. The author contends that continuing the process would degrade Parliament and set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future Parliaments to posthumously arraign judges. Accountability for any criminal offense should be pursued through the criminal justice system, not parliamentary removal.
Parliament should not proceed with the impeachment report against Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation.
The act of judging a former officeholder is likened to the historical "Cadaver Synod," which was deemed unjust and degrading.
Justice Varma's resignation on April 9 immediately severed his constitutional link as a judge.
Exam Points
Historical reference: Cadaver Synod (January 897 CE, Pope Stephen VI and Pope Formosus).
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the United Kingdom, now in force, is lauded for its potential to facilitate exports and open markets. Nearly all Indian exports to the U.K. will now be duty-free, benefiting labour-intensive sectors like textiles, garments, leather, and marine products, which are crucial for formal job creation. The deal also allows Indian generic medicines to compete on price in the U.K. market and resolves the "Double Contribution Convention" issue for Indian professionals in Britain. While the agreement opens India's market to U.K. cars and Scotch whisky with phased duty reductions, it challenges Indian industries to enhance competitiveness and prioritize customer satisfaction over tariff protection.
The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has come into force.
Nearly 99% of India's exports to the U.K. will now be duty-free, benefiting labour-intensive sectors.
The deal enhances the competitiveness of Indian generic medicines in the U.K. market.
Exam Points
Agreement name: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
India has rejected remarks by former Japanese Minister Hideki Makihara regarding delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project and alleged exclusion of Japan from the signalling system. Official spokespersons from the Ministries of External Affairs and Railways clarified that India-Japan discussions are progressing well, and Japan will provide its next-generation E10 series Shinkansen trains in the early 2030s. They stated that construction is advancing rapidly, with the first section expected to open in 2027 using indigenous trains. The MEA termed Makihara's statement an "individual opinion" at "considerable variance with facts," reaffirming Japan's key role in financing, technology sharing, and engineering expertise for the mega project.
India refuted claims by a former Japanese Minister regarding delays in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project.
Japan is confirmed to provide its next-generation E10 series Shinkansen trains for the project in the early 2030s.
The first section of the MAHSR project is slated to open in 2027, utilizing indigenous high-speed trains.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested five more individuals in connection with an alleged terror module linked to the banned Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), bringing the total number of accused to 13. The newly arrested individuals, mostly from Patan district, were allegedly staying at Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa since 2023. During this period, they reportedly underwent training in assembling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), learned bomb detonation techniques, and circulated extremist literature. The court has remanded them to eight days in police custody for further investigation.
Gujarat ATS arrested five more individuals in a terror module case, increasing the total accused to 13.
The module is linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The arrested individuals allegedly received training in assembling IEDs and bomb detonation techniques.
India has confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar port in Iran sustained no damage from recent U.S. airstrikes. This clarification comes after U.S. officials acknowledged striking Chabahar port as part of their military campaign against Iran. India is developing the Chabahar port in collaboration with Iran to enhance connectivity and trade ties, aiming to make it an integral part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that while reports of attacks were noted, the terminal itself remained unaffected.
India confirmed that the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar port was not damaged by U.S. airstrikes.
U.S. officials had previously acknowledged striking Chabahar port in Iran.
India is developing Chabahar port with Iran to boost regional connectivity and trade.
Exam Points
Port name: Chabahar port, Shahid Beheshti terminal.
Country: Iran.
INSTC: International North-South Transport Corridor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. During the event, he criticized previous Congress governments for neglecting the railway sector before 2014, claiming they prioritized neither the middle class nor the poor. Modi highlighted the significant transformation in Indian Railways under his regime, with electrification reaching nearly 99% compared to only 30% in the 90 years prior to 2014. He also attacked the AAP government in Punjab for its alleged failures in governance, particularly regarding drug trafficking and developmental work, accusing them of using advertisements to conceal their shortcomings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana.
He criticized previous Congress governments for neglecting railway development before 2014.
Indian Railways' electrification has reached nearly 99% under the current government, a significant increase from 30% in 2014.
Exam Points
First hydrogen-powered train route: Jind to Sonipat (Haryana).
Railway electrification: 30% by 2014, nearly 99% by 2026.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill has deferred the adoption of its draft report. The Bill proposes the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister after 30 consecutive days in judicial custody for serious offenses. Despite voting on two recommendations, the panel decided more consultations were needed due to the Bill's far-reaching impact. Opposition members, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule, had submitted dissent notes, arguing that automatic removal based on a 30-day incarceration period is arbitrary, weaponizes the criminal justice system for political vendetta, and disregards the constitutional status of elected representatives.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee deferred the adoption of its report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill.
The Bill proposes automatic removal of PMs, CMs, or Ministers after 30 days in judicial custody for serious offenses.
The panel decided more consultations are necessary due to the Bill's significant implications.
Exam Points
Bill name: Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill.
Panel head: BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi.
Opposition members: AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule.
The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States, bringing the total delivered to 21 out of 24 ordered. This delivery significantly strengthens India's anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities. The helicopter, part of a $946 million deal, arrived in Kochi last week, with two more expected soon. U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, praised the development as "excellent news" for bilateral ties, emphasizing its role in enhancing maritime security.
The Indian Navy received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the U.S.
This delivery brings the total number of MH-60R helicopters to 21 out of 24 ordered.
The helicopters enhance India's anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has mandated stringent checks for digitised birth and death certificates to combat fraudulent issuance. This directive follows a surge in demand for digital copies, particularly due to their use in electoral roll revisions, and reports of fake or unauthorized certificates. The RGI noted compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs. Measures include mandatory verification of online applications against original registers, uploading supporting documents, and compulsory e-signatures by district registrars. States are urged to review digitisation status and securely preserve original records to maintain the integrity of the Civil Registration System.
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has ordered strict scrutiny of digitised birth and death records.
The move aims to prevent fraudulent issuance of certificates amidst a surge in demand.
Concerns include compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs.
Exam Points
RGI: Registrar General of India.
A.K Pandey: Deputy Registrar General (CRS).
Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (amended 2023).
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced "Vishwas 2026," a one-time dispute resolution scheme effective from June 29. This initiative aims to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes related to damages or penalties levied on employers under Section 14B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The scheme promotes voluntary compliance, reduces litigation, and ensures speedy resolution of long-pending cases through a transparent, fully digital, and time-bound process, while safeguarding employees' interests.
EPFO has launched "Vishwas 2026," a one-time dispute resolution scheme.
The scheme aims to settle disputes regarding damages or penalties levied on employers.
It promotes voluntary compliance and reduces litigation in provident fund cases.
Exam Points
Scheme name: Vishwas 2026.
Launched by: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that India's electoral rolls, with nearly 95 crore voters, are dynamic "living documents" that continuously evolve. Speaking at the first-ever media conference organized by the Election Commission, he highlighted the statutory safeguards underpinning the preparation of these rolls. Kumar emphasized the active involvement of over 12 lakh booth-level officers (BLOs) and 15 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) who act as "concurrent auditors" in the process. He cited the highest-ever poll participation in recent Assembly elections as proof of the public's trust in the country's electoral system.
India's electoral rolls are dynamic "living documents" with nearly 95 crore voters.
The Chief Election Commissioner highlighted the statutory safeguards for electoral roll preparation.
Over 12 lakh Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and 15 lakh Booth-Level Agents (BLAs) are actively involved as "concurrent auditors."
SEBI has issued a warning to regulated entities and listed firms about a new fraud known as the 'Boss Scam'. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate chief executives or senior officials, using communication platforms like email, WhatsApp, or Microsoft Teams. They direct subordinates or counterparts in finance teams to transfer funds to the fraudsters. SEBI's caution aims to prevent financial losses and protect the integrity of financial operations within these entities. The advisory underscores the importance of verifying instructions, especially those involving fund transfers, to avoid falling victim to such sophisticated social engineering attacks.
SEBI has issued a warning about the 'Boss Scam' targeting regulated entities and listed firms.
Fraudsters impersonate senior officials to trick finance teams into transferring funds.
Communication platforms like email, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams are used in the scam.
Exam Points
Regulatory body: SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
Scam name: 'Boss Scam'.
Communication platforms used: email, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams.
Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India for a new indication: the treatment of non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. This makes Wegovy the first and only GLP-1 RA approved globally and in India for MASH, a liver disease caused by excess fat buildup, chronic inflammation, and liver damage. The approval, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, marks a significant milestone in treating this condition.
Novo Nordisk's drug Wegovy has been approved in India for treating fatty liver disease.
The approval is for non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults.
Wegovy is the first and only GLP-1 RA approved globally and in India for MASH.
Exam Points
Drug name: Wegovy (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg).
Approved by: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization).
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is set to release an updated Index of Core Industries (ICI) on July 20. This revised series will feature a new base year of 2022-23, replacing the existing 2011-12 base year, and will include recalibrated industries and weightages. The weights for the ICI (2022-23) series have been derived from the weights of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) 2022-23 series, as per established methodology. The release will also include provisional ICI data for June 2026 and back series data from April 2023 to May 2026.
The Index of Core Industries (ICI) is being updated with a new base year.
The new base year for the ICI will be 2022-23, replacing the 2011-12 series.
The update includes recalibrated industries and their respective weightages.
Exam Points
Releasing body: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Vizhinjam port is set to begin EXIM (Export-Import) operations in August, transitioning from solely a trans-shipment hub to handling direct cargo from and for India. This development is expected to significantly reduce cargo transport costs for businesses in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While the port currently lacks full road and rail connectivity for container traffic, a 2-km, six-lane road is under construction, and a rail link is planned by 2028. Customs inspection infrastructure is ready, and a formal notification from the Kerala government is awaited for the official inauguration in the third week of August.
Vizhinjam port is scheduled to begin EXIM operations in August.
The port will transition from a trans-shipment hub to handling direct export-import cargo.
This is expected to halve cargo transport costs for businesses in the region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a new global AI governance initiative, primarily aimed at the Global South and developing countries. China, along with 29 other nations, has established the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) based in Shanghai. This move signals China's ambition to lead in AI development and governance, offering an alternative to Western models. Xi emphasized opposing the "overstretching" of national security concepts in AI and promoting open-source collaboration. China plans to provide 5,000 AI training opportunities and establish joint AI application centers for developing countries, viewing AI development as a "symphony of international cooperation."
China launched a new global AI governance initiative targeting the Global South and developing countries.
The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) has been established in Shanghai with 30 member nations.
China aims to offer an alternative AI governance model to counter Western dominance and security concerns.
Exam Points
Chinese President: Xi Jinping.
Organisation name: World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO).
WAICO location: Shanghai.
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